Minneapolis City leaders highlighted significant progress in police reform efforts announced in the first semi-annual report of the independent evaluator Effective Law Enforcement for ALL (ELEFA). Released Feb. 3, the report documents the City’s advancements towards compliance with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) Settlement Agreement and finds that the City is on track to meet nearly all of its year-one goals assessed during this period.
Covering the period from March 18, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2024, ELEFA’s report assesses the foundational phase of compliance efforts. It highlights progress made in policy revisions, trainings, misconduct complaint backlogs, and plans for equipment, technology, facilities, and data systems. These achievements are key to transforming MPD’s approach to policing and building a strong foundation for the next phases of compliance.
“This is the beginning of a long journey that will take time, but the city is fully on board and working diligently towards compliance,” said Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette. "The entire community is depending on us to get this right, and this report shows that we’re taking this seriously and working hard to meet our goals.”
Read the full story on the City's website.
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The City of Minneapolis' Fire (MFD) and Emergency Management departments are providing safety education on several radio stations this month to discuss fire prevention tips, tips on preparing and preventing emergencies, and what you can do to create an emergency plan. They will also join the City's cultural TV stations in April to spread the word.
Fire safety and prevention
MFD Assistant Fire Chief Melanie Rucker and MFD Staff Captain and Community Risk Reduction Officer David Carson are sharing tips on how families can protect themselves from house fires, informing the community on how to prepare, as well as provide warnings on common fire causes to avoid.
Homeowners and rental insurance
Emergency Management Communication and Outreach Coordinator LaVina Branscomb is providing education about homeowner and rental insurance. She shares information on trusted sources to help residents make informed decisions when purchasing this type of insurance. Her tips include helping residents understand the benefits of rental and homeowner insurance such as: securing home and valuables, what kind of protections are available in case of a disaster and benefits of the peace of mind knowing protection is secured.
Listen to the recent segment, and see upcoming dates to tune in, below:
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Listen back to MFD and Emergency Management on Mi Ciudad - La Raza
Listen to special guests Rucker, Carson, and Branscomb who were featured on the City of Minneapolis' Spanish radio show: La Raza 95.7 FM (Spanish): "Mi Ciudad"
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Tune in to listen to the upcoming segments
Minneapolis Police celebrated 19 new hires at the department's first graduation ceremony of the year on Jan. 30.
Speaking to the newest members of his police force and their families at Sabathani Community Center, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said, "These young people represent the values of our department and the heart of our city."
Recruitment and hiring at the department has come a long way since he first accepted the role of chief in 2022, O'Hara said. "When I first got here, the odds were very, very clearly stacked against us."
After struggling with retention and recruitment for years after the murder of George Floyd, O'Hara and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said hiring at the department is rebounding. For the first time in five years, the department ended 2024 with a net increase of new hires, according to the city. In 2024, the police department welcomed 76 new hires and saw a 133% increase in applications, a city spokesperson said in a news release.
Watch the news coverage
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The Office of Community Safety Director of Design and Implementation Amanda Harrington previewed the Asset and Gap analysis report for Minneapolis on Jan. 24.
The analysis shows the city is a leader in some key response areas. It’s part of a follow-up to the 2023 Minneapolis Safe and Thriving Communities Report, which was made to create a long-term vision and recommendation for community safety outside of policing. That report showed recommendations where the city could improve, such as advancing community safety goals. It also showed strengths, which included the use of 311 and the Behavioral Crisis Response initiative.
The report looks at the differing types of calls for service over a 3-year period before providing an action plan of recommendations for the city.
The findings of the report showed a strong foundation for improving community safety, such as emergency calls being diverted to expanded response options, work beginning on new recommendations for the juvenile diversion referral process, as well as expanding metrics about the ethics of the city’s safety contracts.
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Watch the news coverage
 Due to the recent cold temperatures, community members may be leaving their cars unattended to warm up prior to driving. This can leave drivers susceptible to auto theft.
It’s easy to lose sight of safety tips that can help prevent your car from being stolen during these winter months. In addition to never leaving your car running unattended, check out the Office of Community Safety and Minneapolis Police Department's top five auto prevention tips on YouTube.
After months of community engagement, the City of Minneapolis is moving forward to redevelop the City-owned building at 3000 Minnehaha Ave. Sixty-three percent of the respondents favor a mixed-use democracy center proposal. The center would house the City’s Elections & Voter Services, allowing a large ground-floor space for community use. The City is now looking for a tenant to lease that part of the center for community-focused space.
Democracy center proposal
Throughout the summer, the City conducted open houses, conversations and surveys. The most residents favored the democracy center proposal and also showed interest in several uses for the community space, including:
- Social services
- Community-based cultural programs
- Business or commercial uses
Next steps
The City has requested proposals for a tenant who will program the community space. Proposals are due March 14.
The City will proceed with design and renovation plans. The City intends to include the selected tenant in the planning, design and build-out of the community space.
To learn more, visit the City website.
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The City of Minneapolis is committed to fighting human trafficking and protecting the most vulnerable populations. We are working to raise awareness, with a particular focus on Sex Trafficking and sexual exploitation of people who may show signs of substance use disorder.
Signs of human trafficking
Human Trafficking thrives in silence and survivors are often hiding in plain sight. Signs of trafficking include:
- Physical abuse or neglect
- Missing school or work regularly
- Telling inconsistent or rehearsed stories
- Dating someone much older
- A history of running away or being homeless
- Sexually inappropriate pictures on social media
- Unexplained gifts, new possessions, or a person with tattoos that represent ownership
Sex Trafficking Thrives in Silence Campaign
The Minneapolis Departments of Health and Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging launched the “Sex Trafficking Thrives in Silence” campaign to raise awareness and provide resources to those in “The Life” and at risk.
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OCS In the News
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